How to Enhance Professionalism in a Nursing Staff

Nurses are integral to the health care team. They serve as a liaison between patients and doctors, while performing necessary medical interventions. When nurses perform their duties professionally, their approach helps streamline the recovery process. It also builds greater public trust in the health care industry. Ensure that your nursing staff embodies the qualities that promote positive treatment outcomes.

Instructions

• 1

  Develop an in-house training program. Schedule regular classes that focus on refreshing skills and that introduce new care concepts to your nursing staff. Provide both general lessons and material targeted to specific functional areas. Encourage nurses to attend courses sponsored by outside agencies to enhance their core knowledge. Make continuing education an important aspect of professional development.

• 2

  Stress the importance of accountability and teamwork. Let nurses know that their individual actions directly affect overall efficiency and agency competency. Combat burnout and feelings of isolation by encouraging nurses to ask and offer assistance freely. This commitment to constructive team building can help nurses deal with negative stress.

• 3

  Encourage senior staff to set a positive example. Understand that adherence to professional standards is easier when all staff members make a commitment to excellence. Develop conduct standards for every member of the health care and administrative team. This promotes professional standards regardless of position.

• 4

  Conduct regular assessments of nursing personnel. Check patient logs for accuracy and completeness. Observe if nurses follow established guidelines when performing medical interventions. Follow up with patients to ensure quality of care standards are actively practiced.

• 5

  Send a strong message that incompetence is not an option. Explain that issues such as staff shortages are not an excuse for medical error and omissions. Encourage nurses to ask for guidance from peers and supervisory staff. Reward nurses who maintain professional standards. Make timely corrections to nurses that fail to follow established guidelines.